- MITCH M. LIPA
Members and supporters of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Cusi wing in Negros Occidental will meet Sept. 24 for the oath-taking of members and the selection of the provincial head and candidates of the party for the May 2022 elections.
Bing Juaneza, the Western Visayas coordinator of PDP-Laban, who heads the party convenors, said she is finalizing the number of attendees.
She said they are expecting some mayors, vice mayors, and councilors to attend the event.
Juaneza also confirmed that Atty. John Orola is a contender for a high position in the province under their party. She said that Orola showed up during the national convention of the PDP-Cusi wing in Pampanga that was attended by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Orola had taken his oath as member, she added.
For Bacolod City, they are expecting Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran to be joined by other councilors.
She added that negotiations are still being done with other personalities, as of this time.
Juaneza said they will also resolve who will be appointed or voted as provincial head for Negros Occidental. She said the provincial head does not necessarily mean that he or she will be the candidate of the party for governor since it is the national committee that will decide on the matter.
Orola has been rumored to be the party’s candidate for governor, and said the group is not affected even if most of the incumbent mayors of Negros Occidental have already committed to support the re-election bid of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in tandem with Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer.
He added that everything is still fluid and there is a lot of possible changes that may happen before the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy next month and even up to December, during the period for substitution.
Juaneza, meanwhile, said that those who will be confirmed as candidates of the party will be issued Certificates of Nomination on Friday. – MML
